When Matt Lauer's Today scandal broke out in the public eye, it didn't just rock his career—it shattered his marriage to Annette Roque. The two had been together for over two decades before officially calling it quits. Let’s dive into their story and what led to the unraveling of one of the most high-profile marriages in the media world.
A Look at Annette Roque: The Woman Behind the Scenes
Before Matt Lauer met Annette Roque, he was married to his first wife, Nancy Alspaugh, from 1981 to 1988. But life changed when he went on a blind date with Roque in 1997. Reports say it was love at first sight, and the pair tied the knot just five months later in 1998. That's fast, right? But hey, sometimes that kind of spark happens.
Roque isn't just any ex-wife. She’s a model from the Netherlands who graced the pages of brands like Revlon and J. Crew. Beyond modeling, she's an equestrian who founded Bright Side Farm in the Hamptons. This place isn't just a hobby—it's a serious training ground for horses. She’s a multi-talented woman who carved out her own path even as her personal life unraveled.
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When Did Matt Lauer and Annette Roque Call It Quits?
The first time Roque filed for divorce was back in September 2006, citing "cruel and inhumane acts," according to Entertainment Tonight. But they decided to give it another shot and reconciled, putting the divorce on hold. That’s the thing about love—it can be messy and unpredictable.
Fast forward to November 2017, and Lauer's world came crashing down when he was fired from Today after allegations of "inappropriate sexual behavior." In the months following his firing, both Lauer and Roque were spotted out and about separately, not wearing their wedding rings. That’s a pretty clear sign, isn’t it?
In a statement to Variety, Lauer admitted to having an "extramarital affair" but claimed all encounters were "consensual." He expressed deep regret, saying, "There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions." He went on to say, "To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. As I am writing this, I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC."
Roque officially filed for divorce in July 2019, and the split was finalized in September 2019. Around that time, more sexual harassment allegations emerged against Lauer from former NBC staffers. Roque broke her silence through a statement from her lawyer, John M. Teitler, in October 2019. In it, she emphasized her priority was their children, saying, "Our client will make no further statements."
What About the Kids? How Many Does Matt Lauer Have?
During their marriage, Lauer and Roque welcomed three children: Jack, Romy, and Thijs. In June 2022, the co-parents reunited for Romy's high school graduation. Photos from the event showed them smiling as they watched their daughter accept her diploma, indicating a cordial relationship despite their split.
Who's in Matt Lauer's Life Now?
By December 2019, Lauer was photographed vacationing in New Zealand with his girlfriend, Shamin Abas. They had been longtime friends before becoming romantically involved after his divorce from Roque. Most recently, in December 2023, Lauer was seen with Abas at the wedding of Today producer Jennifer Long and Reid Sterrett in New York City.
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